As I pass around the trays of food at the table loading on portions of everything that comes my way I of course try to get away with putting a little bit more of my favorite. Sometimes it’s not possible when there are measured servings, but I do look for opportunities. I’m not the type of eater that eats 1 item then methodically moves to another, well not anymore. My parents through repeated teachings removed this habit, but one thing I’ve been able keep all these years is my saving just a little bit of my favorite food for last. Something about going away from the table with the memory of the “pièce de résistance.”

The dinner table is not the only place I would do this. I’ve found myself doing it for years with my art, and probably to my own detriment.

What do you do when you enter an art show? You enter your best piece right? Not me! Forever I would take what I thought was my second best painting and enter that, because I would not want to “show my cards” so to speak. Seriously I have no idea why, some sort of crazy mixed up thinking that has nothing to do with eating your peas first and your steak last.

Is it that “Ace up the sleeve” mentality, wanting to always have something you can throw out if the card you put on the table wasn’t quite good enough? How about when you are at your local art store, and the bonus rewards card says you’ve earned a $10 credit, do you want to use it now or your next purchase?

Well I am pleased to say I will now take that $10 credit on this purchase, and I put my best painting forward. For me time is ticking too fast to be messing around and holding on till next time. There may not be a next time, no guarantee there. And if your artwork is not good enough, I’ve got more paint, get out and try again.

What Rick would tell me when I’m painting, don’t be afraid to lose a painting in going for a great painting. Put forth your best effort, and

Late on the Klondike

if it’s not your best, make it your best, and if that doesn’t work, try again.

Since I have adopted this phylosophy, I have won more awards, and accomplished so much more. My confidence is up along with the quality of the art. I’m not a gambling man, but there is risk when throwing all your cards out on the table, but like they say, “without risk, there is no achievement”.